"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
-Yahuchanan/John 10:10-11
Just as Messiah warned the Enemy only comes to "steal, kill and destroy," yet He is the good shepherd who leads us to "life and life abundantly," the Set Apart Spirit likewise warns the Body through Paul's letter to Timothy to expect some "misleading spirits" will inevitably lead some Believers to become convicted (based on their own consciences' sake and sometimes through the inspiration of demons) to abstain from consuming all animals their products and various other foods in the latter generations, much to our detriment. Although, this is certainly not exclusive to the latter generations, as Gnosticism and various other religious faiths have long taught these ideas even during his day. Paul also encourages Believers to remain steadfast in the Truth, trusting the Word to define food for us, and continue Teaching and accepting what the Word, the Messiah and His Chosen Disciples have commanded to be received as "good for food" as Revealed through the Gift of the Set Apart Spirit instead:
"1But the Spirit distinctly says that in latter times some shall fall away from the Belief, paying attention to misleading spirits, and teachings of demons, 2speaking lies in hypocrisy, having been branded on their own conscience, 3forbidding to marry, saying to abstain from foods which Alahym created to be received with thanksgiving by those who Believe and know the Truth. 4Because every creature of Alahym is good, and none is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5for it is set apart by the Word of Alahym and prayer. 6If you present these matters to the brothers, you shall be a good Servant of יהושע Messiah, being nourished in the Words of Belief and of the good Teaching which you have followed closely. 7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself rather to Reverence. 8For bodily exercise is profitable for a little, but Reverence is profitable for all, having Promise of the present life, and of that which is to come. 9Trustworthy is the Word, and worthy of all Acceptance. 10It is for this that we labour and struggle, because we Trust in the Living Alahym, Who is the Saviour of all men, particularly of those who Believe. 11Command and Teach these matters. 12Let no one look down on your youth, but be an example to the Believers in Word, in behaviour, in Love, in Spirit, in Belief, in cleanliness. 13Until I come, give attention to reading of Scripture, to Encouragement, to Teaching. 14Do not neglect the Gift that is in you, which was given to you by Prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elderhood. 15Practice these matters, be in them, so that your progress might be plain to all. 16Pay attention to yourself and to the Teaching. Continue in them, for in doing this you shall save both yourself and those who Hear you."
-1 Timothy 4:1-16
As we know, one of the main purposes of the Gift of the Father's Set Apart Spirit coming to dwell inside Believers is to Teach us the proper interpretation of the Words of the Father and of the Messiah, to "lead and guide us into all Truth," since the Messiah now sits at the Right Hand of the Father in Heaven:
"23Yahusha answered him, “If anyone loves Me, he shall guard My Word. And My Father shall love him, and We shall come to him and make Our stay with him. 24He who does not love Me does not guard My Words. And the Word which you hear is not Mine but of the Father Who sent Me. 25These Words I have spoken to you while still with you. 26But the Helper, the Set Apart Spirit, Whom the Father shall send in My Name, He shall Teach you all, and remind you of all that I said to you."
-Yahuchanan/John 14:23-26
"1These Words I have spoken to you, so that you do not stumble. 2They shall put you out of the Congregations, but an hour is coming when everyone who kills you shall think he is rendering Service to Alahym. 3And this they shall do to you because they did not know the Father, nor Me. 4But I have said these Words to you, so that when the hour comes you remember that I told them to you. And these Words I did not say to you at the beginning, for I was with you. 5But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and not one of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6But because I have said these Words to you, grief has filled your heart. 7But I say the Truth to you: It is better for you that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you at all, but if I go, I shall send Him to you. 8And having come, He shall reprove the world concerning sin, and concerning Righteousness, and concerning Judgment – 9concerning sin because they do not believe in Me, 10concerning Righteousness because I go to My Father and you see Me no more, 11concerning Judgment because the ruler of this world is judged. 12I still have many words to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now. 13But when He comes, the Spirit of the Truth, He shall guide you into all the Truth. For He shall not speak from Himself, but whatever He hears He shall speak, and He shall announce to you what is to come. 14He shall esteem Me, for He shall take of what is Mine and announce it to you. 15All that the Father has is Mine. That is why I said that He takes from what is Mine and announces it to you."
-Yahuchanan/John 16:1-15
However, to properly understand which animals, animal-products and other foods are "created by Alahym" for our "good", the Apostle Paul also commands Believers in his Letter to the Philippians not to automatically assume the entire First Covenant Torah still applies, nor blindly follow the Oral Law (Talmudic Traditions of the Pharisees and Sadducees which have been passed down to their progeny: the Masoretes and modern rabbis) for interpretation of the commands, nor to invent our own definition of Righteousness (as was often done in early Christian and Gnostic sects). Instead, we should do our best to reject Teachings contrary to the Messiah and Disciples' examples and guidance, following the Set Apart Spirit's conviction on how to properly observe the Law of Righteousness as it applies in this New Covenant Age. He furthers explains we should seek to come to the "same mind" as Messiah and His Apostles regarding that which is to be consumed, while we live during this current Age of Corruptible Bodies:
"If anyone else thinks to trust in the flesh, I more – 5circumcised the eighth day,
of the race of Yasharal, of the Tribe of Banyaman (Benjamin),
an Abary of Abarym (Hebrew of Hebrews), according to Torah a Pharisee,
6according to ardour, persecuting the Assembly;
according to Righteousness that is in the Law, having become blameless.
7But what might have been a gain to me, I have counted as loss, because of Messiah.
8What is more, I even count all to be loss because of the
Excellence of the Knowledge of Messiah יהושע my Master, for Whom
I have suffered the loss of all, and count them as refuse, in order to gain Messiah,
9and be found in Him, not having my own Righteousness, which is of the law,
but that which is through Belief in Messiah, the Righteousness which is from Alahym
on the basis of Belief, 10to know Him, and the Power of His Resurrection,
and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11if somehow I might attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12Not that I have already received, or already been perfected, but I press on,
to lay hold of that for which Messiah יהושע has also laid hold of me.
13Brothers, I do not count myself to have laid hold of it yet, but only this:
forgetting what is behind and reaching out for what lies ahead,
14I press on toward the Goal for the Prize of the High Calling of Alahym
in Messiah Yahusha. 15As many, then, as are perfect, should have this mind.
And if you think differently in any respect, Alahym shall also Reveal this to you.
16But to what we have already attained – walk by the same rule, be of the same mind. 17Become joint imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who so walk,
as you have us for a pattern. 18For many – of whom I have often told you,
and now say to you even weeping – walk as enemies of the stake of Messiah.
19Their end is destruction, their mighty one is their stomach,
and their esteem is in their shame – they mind the earthly.
20For our Citizenship is in the Heavens, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Master יהושע Messiah, 21Who shall change our lowly body,
to be conformed to His esteemed body, according to the working
by which He is able even to bring all under His control."
-Philippians 3:4-21
However, this expectation is not new. We learn this concept has been relevant since the beginning of time. Even Chanak (Enoch), the first among men used by Yah to Write down Scripture (Yub./Jub. 4:17), explained Wisdom through Revelation of His Word passed down throughout the generations of His Set Apart People would help us understand what the Creator has (and has not) designed for humankind to consume during this Age of Corruption:
"Wisdom have I given you, to your children, and your posterity, that they may Reveal to their children, for generations forever, this Wisdom in their thoughts; and that those who comprehend may not slumber, but hear with their ears; that they may learn this Wisdom, and be deemed worthy of eating wholesome food."
-1 Chanak/Enoch 82:3
So then, what do the Instructions in Scripture define as "wholesome food" ? And therefore what is currently allowed and disallowed? What Wisdom may be further gleaned from Scripture on how much, how little and how often these "foods" may be, or should be consumed, in order to enjoy that "abundant" lifestyle Promised to those who Believe?
The Curse of Sin and Death
To better understand the Scriptural definition of food, we should consider the Intelligent Designer's description of the bodies in which we now dwell. Scripture says although humans were originally made in the "image of Alahym" (Alahym meaning "mighty ones" as in "superhuman," or humanoid "Incorruptible" spiritual bodies), all living organisms were not created equally. Since the beginning of Creation, mankind was given dominion over all the earth and all the other lifeforms in the earth.
"26And Alahym said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth and over all the creeping creatures that creep on the earth.” 27And Alahym created the man in His image, in the image of Alahym He created him – male and female He created them. 28And Alahym blessed them, and Alahym said to them, “Bear fruit and increase, and fill the earth and subdue it, and rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over all creatures moving on the earth.” 29And Alahym said, “See, I have given you every plant that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed, to you it is for food. 30And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to every creeping creature on the earth, in which there is life, every green plant is for food.” And it came to be so."
-Barashyth/Genesis 1:26-30
As we see, during this initial Age of Incorruption both the humans and animals were given plants to consume on the earth for food. Death did not yet exist, and therefore humans nor animals consumed meat at this time. However, this does not necessarily mean they did not consume animal products such as milk, honey, or eggs. Regardless, this food was merely given as a blessing, rather than a necessity, as they dwelled in bodies which were not yet subject to decay and death. They also had free access to the Tree of Life which provided all the "sustenance" necessary to "live forever".
However, since the time of Adam and Chuah (Eve)'s sin in the Garden, humankind has been barred from access to the Garden of Adun (Eden) where the Tree of Life exists, and are now "cursed" to dwell in bodies made "a little lower than the angels (alahym)", but still made "higher" than all the other living organisms on earth, as their dominion over the earth and its inhabitants yet remains in effect. As Genesis 3 explains, their once Incorruptible bodies have been transfigured into a "Corruptible" state, which is no longer impervious to the elements, and which are now dependent upon food, clothing and shelter in order to survive, and furthermore thrive, until their maximum lifespan has been achieved.
"5Yet You have made him a little less than alahym (angels), And have crowned him with esteem and splendour. 6You made him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all under his feet, 7All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, 8The birds of the heavens, And the fish of the sea, Passing through the paths of the seas."
-Psalm 8:5-8
"And Yahuah Alahym said, My Spirit shall certainly not remain among these men for ever, because they are flesh, but their days shall be an hundred and twenty years."
-Barashyth/Genesis 6:4 LXX
However, humankind was not the only kind cursed. Scripture also says the plantlife kinds were altered to produce "thorns and thistles", in order to make sowing, planting, and harvesting food from plant kinds quite difficult (Gen. 3:17-19). Although one day, all plantlife kind will once again be returned to their Incorruptible states and once again, easily produce plentiful fruits:
"The earth also shall yield its fruit ten thousandfold and on each vine there shall be a thousand branches, and each branch shall produce a thousand clusters, and each cluster produce a thousand grapes, and each grape produce a cor of wine."
-2 Baruch 29:5
Scripture also reveals the flesh of animals was likewise cursed (Gen. 3:14, Yubalym/Jubilees 3:29-31), and therefore altered after the Fall as well. However, eventually they will no longer consume flesh nor have the natural needs and instincts to kill or injure in order to survive as they do now:
"6And the wolf shall feed with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the young calf and bull and lion shall feed together; and a little child shall lead them. 7And the ox and bear shall feed together; and their young shall be together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8And an infant shall put his hand on the holes of asps, and on the nest of young asps. 9And they shall not hurt, nor shall they at all be able to destroy anyone on
My Set Apart Mountain: for the whole world is filled with the Knowledge of Yahuah,
as much water covers the seas."
-YashaYahu/Isaiah 11:6-9
In a similar fashion, the Serpent Who Deceived them in the Garden (Godrah'al: the Enemy of Alahym, 1 Chanak/Enoch 69:6, Yahusha/Joshua 11:17, 12:5 & 13:5) and his "seed" were likewise cursed to "consume the dust of earth". However, both man and animalia were made from the dust (Gen. 2:6 & 2:19). Therefore, the Serpent's seed, which are now referred to as the "fallen angels" and all those who follow him in lawlessness (Yahuchanan/John 8:43-45, 1 Chanak/Enoch 7-17), inevitably seek to "kill, steal and destroy" all living souls in the earth, but humankind in particular because they have been given dominion over all the earth (Yub./Jub. 10:9). Because they are spirit-beings and no longer have physical bodies in which to dwell, they still seek to lead mankind to destruction through deception, teaching them "doctrines of devils (1 Tim. 4:1, Yub./Jub. 10:1-9)" against the Word of Truth of the Inspired Scriptures in order to do so:
"30As He was speaking these Words, many Believed in Him.
31So Yahusha said to those Yahudym (Jews) who believed Him,
“If you stay in My Word, you are truly My taught ones, 32and you shall know the Truth,
and the Truth shall make you free.” 33They answered Him,
“We are the seed of Abraham, and have been servants to no one at any time.
How do you say, ‘You shall become free’?” 34Yahusha answered them,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone doing sin is a servant of sin.
35And the servant does not stay in the house forever – a son stays forever.
36If, then, the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
37I know that you are the seed of Abraham, but you seek to kill Me,
because My Word has no place in you. 38I speak what I have seen with My Father,
and you do what you have heard from your father.” 39They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Yahusha said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children,
you would do the works of Abraham. 40But now you seek to kill Me,
a Man who has spoken to you the Truth which I heard from Alahym.
Abraham did not do this. 41You do the works of your father.”
Then they said to Him, “We were not born of whoring, we have one Father: Alahym.” 42Yahusha said to them, “If Alahym were your Father, you would love Me,
for I came forth from Alahym, and am here. For I have not Come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43Why do you not know what I say? Because you are unable to hear My Word.
44You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you wish to do.
He was a murderer from the Beginning, and has not stood in the Truth,
because there is no Truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks of his own,
for he is a liar and the father of it. 45And because I speak the Truth,
you do not Believe Me. 46Who of you proves Me wrong concerning sin?
And if I speak the Truth, why do you not Believe Me?
47He who is of Alahym hears the Words of Alahym,
therefore you do not hear because you are not of Alahym.”
-Yahuchanan/John 8:30-47
Scripture also foretells of a day when the Righteous will be resurrected from the dead and/or transported to Mount Tsayan where they will meet the Messiah Who will transform their now Corruptible bodies into Incorruptible bodies, which will be made "as high" as the angels (alahym) just as in the Incorruptible Age before:
"For in the resurrection they do not marry, nor are they given in marriage,
but are as angels of Alahym in heaven."
-MathathYahu/Matthew 22:30
"39All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another of fishes, and another of birds. 40And there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the esteem of the heavenly is truly one, and the esteem of the earthly is another, 41one esteem of the sun, and another esteem of the moon, and another esteem of the stars – for star differs from star in esteem. 42So also is the resurrection of the dead: it is sown in Corruption, it is raised in Incorruption; 43it is sown in disrespect, it is raised in esteem; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body; there is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45And so it has been Written, “The first man Adam became a living being,” the last Adam a life-giving Spirit. 46The spiritual, however, was not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47The first man was of the earth, earthy; the second Man is the Master from heaven. 48As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. 49And as we have borne the likeness of the earthy, we shall also bear the likeness of the heavenly. 50And this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood is unable to inherit the Reign of Alahym, neither does Corruption inherit Incorruption. 51See, I speak a secret to you: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the Last Trumpet. For the Trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised Incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this Corruptible has to put on Incorruption, and this mortal to put on immortality. 54And when this Corruptible has put on Incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall come to be the Word that has been Written, “Death is swallowed up in overcoming.”"
-1 Corinthians 15:39-54
This sentiment is further expressed in Revelation 21-22, which describes the Age in which mankind has access to the Tree of Life in their Incorruptible Bodies once again, when they dwell in New Yarushalam because the Curse of Sin and Death has been removed from all Creation:
"1And I saw a New Heaven and a New Earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2And I, Yahuchanan (John), saw the Set Apart City, New Yarushalam, coming down out of the heaven from Alahym, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the heaven saying, “See, the Booth of Alahym is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and Alahym Himself shall be with them and be their Alahym...”"
"1And he showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the Throne of Alahym and of the Lamb. 2In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the Tree of Life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the Leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And no longer shall there be any curse, and the Throne of Alahym and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His Servants shall Serve Him. 4And they shall see His face, and His Name shall be upon their foreheads. 5And night shall be no more, and they shall have no need of a lamp or the light of the sun, because יהוה Alahym shall give them light. And they shall Reign forever and ever..."
"14Blessed are those doing His commands, so that the Authority shall be theirs unto the Tree of Life, and to enter through the Gates into the City."
-Revelation 21:1-3 & Revelation 22:1-5 & 22:14
As we see, these passages describe bodies which will consume the Fruit and Leaves from the Tree of Life which bring continual healing therefore, death and "corruption" will be "swallowed up". However, Scripture also says they will consume various other foods as well, likely more for enjoyment than required sustenance, just as in the Day of Adam and Chuah/Eve's time in the Garden. For instance, the gentiles who serve them will help the Yasharalym steward their "flocks". Except in that day, their livestock flocks aren't used for meat, but for milk, eggs, and honey, as well as to help cultivate the orchards and vineyards for grain, fruit and vegetables:
"5And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the foreigner be your ploughmen and your vinedressers. 6But you shall be called, ‘Priests of יהוה,’
‘Servants of our Alahym’ shall be said of you. You shall consume the strength of the gentiles, and boast in their esteem."
-YashaYahu/Isaiah 61:5-6
"16And יהוה shall roar from Tsayan (Zion), and give forth His voice from Yarushalam (Jerusalem). And the heavens and earth shall shake, but יהוה shall be a refuge for His People, and a stronghold for the Children of Yasharal. 17Then you shall know that I am יהוה your Alahym, dwelling in Tsayan (Zion), My Set Apart Mountain. And Yarushalam shall be Set Apart, and foreigners shall not pass through her again. 18And it shall be in that day that the mountains drip with new wine, and the hills flow with milk. And all the streams of Yahudah (Judea) shall be flooded with water, and a fountain flow from the House of יהוה and water the Wadi Shittim. 19Matsraym (Egypt) shall become a ruin, and Adum (Edom) a ruin, a wilderness, because of violence done to the people of Yahudah (Judah), whose innocent blood they shed in their land. 20But Yahudah (Judah) shall dwell forever, and Yarushalam (Jerusalem) to all generations. 21And I shall avenge their blood, which I have not avenged. And יהוה shall be dwelling in Tsayan (Zion)!”"
-Yual/Joel 3:16-21
"Thus says Yahuah unto Ezra, Tell my people that I will give them the Kingdom of Yarushalam (Jerusalem), which I would have given unto Yasharal. Their glory also will I take unto Me, and give these the everlasting Tabernacles, which I had prepared for them. They shall have the Tree of Life for an ointment of sweet savor; they shall neither labor, nor be weary. Go, and ye shall receive: pray for few days unto you, that they may be shortened: the Kingdom is already prepared for you: watch. Take heaven and earth to Witness; for I have broken the evil in pieces, and created the good: for I live, says Yahuah. Mother, embrace your children, and bring them up with gladness, make their feet as fast as a pillar: for I have chosen you, says Yahuah. And those that be dead will I raise up again from their places, and bring them out of the graves: for I have known My Name in Yasharal. Fear not, you mother of the children: for I have Chosen you, says Yahuah. For your help will I send My servants Esau and YarmYahu (Jeremiah), after whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for you twelve trees laden with diverse fruits, And as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven mighty mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby I will fill your children with joy."
-4 Ezra/2 Esdras 2:10-19
"14“Therefore, see, I am alluring Her, and shall lead Her into the Wilderness, and shall speak to Her heart, 15and give to Her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Akor as a door of expectation. And there she shall respond as in the days of Her youth, as in the day when She came up from the land of Matsraym (Egypt). 16And it shall be, in that day,” declares יהוה, “that you call Me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer call Me ‘My Ba‛al (Lord)’ 17And I shall remove the names of the Ba‛als (Lords) from her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. 18And in that day I shall make a Covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the birds of the heavens, and with the creeping creatures of the ground, when bow, and sword, and battle I break from the earth. And I shall make them lie down in safety. 19And I shall take you as a Bride unto Me forever, and take you as a Bride unto Me in Righteousness, and in Right-ruling, and kindness and compassion. 20And I shall take you as a Bride unto Me in trustworthiness, and you shall know Yahuah. 21And it shall be in that day that I answer,” declares יהוה, “that I answer the heavens, and they answer the earth, 22and the earth answer the grain and the new wine and the oil, and they answer Yazra‛al (Alahym Sows). 23And I shall sow Her for Myself in the earth, and I shall have Compassion on Her who had not obtained Compassion. And I shall say to those who were not My People, ‘You are My People,’ while they say, ‘My Alahym!’”"
-Husha/Hosea 2:14-23
As we see, although both humankind and animalkind will consume plants and animal products in that day, they will no longer "battle" or kill one another for food. But that is not to say humankind will not consume any meat whatsoever! Scripture declares the meat from Leviathan and Behemoth shall be provided as food for those who dwell in that Age:
"1In that day יהוה with His severe sword, great and strong, punishes Liwiathan the fleeing serpent, Liwiathan that twisted serpent. And He shall slay the monster that is in the sea. 2In that day sing to Her, “A vineyard of red wine! 3I, יהוה, do guard it,
I water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I guard it night and day."
-YashaYahu/Isaiah 27:1-3
"Then did you Ordain two living creatures, the one you called Behemoth, and the other Leviathan; And did separate the one from the other: for the seventh part, namely, where the water was gathered together, might not hold them both. Unto Behemoth you gave one part, which was dried up the third day, that he should dwell in the same part, wherein are a thousand hills: But unto Leviathan you gave the seventh part, namely, the moist; and have kept him to be devoured of whom you will, and when."
-4 Ezra/2 Esdras 6:49-52
"But when the time shall come, then the Power, the punishment, and the judgment; which Yahuah of Hosts has prepared for those who prostrate themselves to the Judgment of Righteousness, for those who abjure that Judgment, and for those who take His name in vain. That day has been prepared for the Elect as a Covenant; and for sinners as an Inquisition. In that day shall be distributed two monsters; a female monster, whose name is Leviathan, dwelling in the depths of the sea, above the springs of waters; And a male monster, whose name is Behemoth; which possesses, on his breast, the invisible wilderness. His name was Dendayen in the east of the Garden, where the Elect and the Righteous will dwell; where he received it from my ancestor, who was man, from Adam the first of men, whom Yahuah of Hosts made. Then I asked of another angel to show me the power of those monsters, how they became separated, how they became separated on the same day, one in the depths of the sea, and one in the dry desert. And he said, You, son of Adam, are here desirous of understanding secret things. And the Angel of Peace, who was with me, said, 'These two monsters are by the Power of Alahym prepared to become food, that the punishment of Alahym may not be in vain.'"
-1 Chanak/Enoch 59:5-12
"“And he answered and said unto me: Whatsoever will then befall will befall the whole earth; therefore all who live will experience them. For at that time I will protect only those who are found in those selfsame days in this Land. And it shall come to pass when all is accomplished that was to come to pass in those parts, that the Messiah shall then begin to be revealed. And Behemoth shall be revealed from his place and Leviathan shall ascend from the sea, those two great monsters which I created on the Fifth Day of Creation, and shall have kept until that time; and then they shall be for food for all that are left. The earth also shall yield its fruit ten thousandfold and on each vine there shall be a thousand branches, and each branch shall produce a thousand clusters, and each cluster produce a thousand grapes, and each grape produce a cor of wine. And those who have hungered shall rejoice: moreover, also, they shall behold marvels every day. For winds shall go forth from before Me to bring every morning the fragrance of aromatic fruits, and at the close of the day clouds distilling the dew of health. And it shall come to pass at that selfsame time that the treasury of manna shall again descend from on high, and they will eat of it in those years, because these are they who have come to the Consummation of Time.”
-2 Baruk 29:1-8
How long does this... dragon meat... last? We cannot be sure. However, we do know they are not just two specific animals, but two specific species of dragons. While some species of reptiles do grow enormously large as they continue to live, and these are quite old... It is quite possible the meat harvested from their slaughter will last many years as there are several ways of preserving meat even without electricity such as smoking, canning, rillets in confit, dry aging, freezing, cold storage (Springhouse), salting, etc., not to mention the Father's supernatural ability to preserve food at Will (Exo. 16:24-30, Jub. 21:10). Still, Scripture reveals these particular types of dragons were known and consumed by humans even before the day they have been appointed to slaughter at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb:
"13Thou didst establish the sea, in thy might,
thou didst break to pieces the heads of the dragons in the water.
14Thou didst break to pieces the heads of the dragon (MT: Leviathan);
thou didst give him for meat to the Ethiopian nations
(MT: people living in the wilderness)."
-Psalm 73:13-14 LXX
So, while it is certainly possible these particular two species of dragons could continue to be slaughtered by "Yahuah's Sword" throughout the Millennial Reign until "death is swallowed up (Rev. 21:4)", what we do know is humankind will certainly not be consuming a strictly plant-based diet once they inherit their Incorruptible Bodies as these two great monsters are initially included in their diets.
But what about now? Various religious, naturopathic health and wellness practitioners, and even some allopathic nutritionists proclaim certain foods should be rejected or greatly limited due to their potential to cause "great harm". For instance, eggs have come to be perceived as dangerous for heart health when consumed in large quantities over the past 100 years. Whereas, wheat gluten has also come under fire as a "major contributor" to inflammation in more recent years, and "healthier" options such as tapioca flour and cassava flour are encouraged to be consumed in their place instead. Others say these are not the real problem, but humans just weren't designed to consume grains without them being 100% whole-grain, fresh-milled, sprouted and fermented. Others believe corn is nutritionally deficient, and as a staple in several cultures' diets, has become the "sole offender" of disease and nutritional deficiency throughout the world. Whereas, others proclaim grains like wheat and corn really aren't the issue at all. They assert a plant-based diet is the healthiest diet for humans and animals. According to this perspective, soy and other types of beans are thought to be "healthier" alternatives to meat and animal products. On the other hand, many believe a keto diet is healthiest - suggesting natural sugars found in honey, fruit, grains and beans should be avoided at all costs - or at least, consumed minimally; whereas, meat and fats including those derived from "unclean" animals, should comprise the bulk of the daily caloric intake. However, on the other extreme, some proclaim all grains, fruits and vegetables are not meant for human consumption whatsoever. They believe our bodies were designed to function best on meat and animal fats alone! Some believe in these particular nutritional parameters so strongly, they go as far as teaching anything contrary would be "less righteous" or even "unrighteous stewardship" of our Body, which has now become the Temple in which the Set Apart Spirit dwells. Furthermore, if sickness, death or disease are either caused, or perceived to be caused, for failing to consume their preferred food groups, they fear the person's Spirit may be in danger of Condemnation, as Yah says in His Word, He will "destroy those who destroy His Temple" (1 Corin. 3:17).
But, is this accurate? Are any of these particular diets truly what Alahym has Ordained for the bodies of corruption to consume in this day and Age? While each of these restrictive diets do show the ability to improve health and longevity in certain individuals, does the Creator define "wholesome food" altogether differently for humanity in general? Let's consider the plethora of passages discussing food found throughout Scripture to best understand His Ordained Nutritional plan.
Wholesome Food
Thankfully, we do not have to remain "tossed to and fro" regarding the latest ideology on what humans should be ingesting on a regular basis. We are given various instructions and Righteous examples in the Inspired Text on how to most Wisely produce, store, prepare and consume the food necessary for these bodies to function most optimally (in the Way He designed). Rather than following popularized food trends, we have ancient examples of our Hebrew forefathers to glean from. In one particular instance, Abraham and Sarah fed three Heavenly Angels a variety of foods without question or rebuke in the very Presence of Alahym (thereby revealing Yah's approval):
"1And יהוה appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, while he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2So he lifted his eyes and looked, and saw three men standing opposite him. And when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3and said, “יהוה, if I have now found favour in Your eyes, please do not pass Your servant by. 4Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5And let me bring a piece of bread and refresh your hearts, and then go on, for this is why you have come to your servant.” And they said, “Do as you have said.” 6So Abraham ran into the tent to Sarah and said, “Hurry, make ready three measures of fine flour, knead it and make cakes.” 7And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hurried to prepare it. 8And he took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them,
and he stood by them under the tree as they ate."
-Barashyth/Genesis 18:1-7
As we see, both Abraham and Sarah provided these angelic beings with bread made of "fine flour" (plants: carbs and gluten), fresh veal for protein (meat), along with curds/cheese/butter and milk (dairy products: carbs, fats, protein). However, why would Abraham ask Sarah to prepare these particular foods, if they were deemed unrighteous or unhealthy? Strong proponents of the strictest diets may suggest this was simply because they are angelic spirits, although appearing as men in fleshly bodies, were truly angels existing in their Incorruptible bodies, and therefore were not subject to the perceived negative health affects some of these foods may invoke in those with Corruptible bodies. However, this would be a difficult stance to defend, as Abraham was called notably one of the most Righteous men in history and these foods were obviously common to his own house's culinary custom. In this case, some may say Abram was originally a gentile and may have done so in ignorance, however Abraham was no longer considered a gentile at this point in his life. Abraham "knew Yahuah from three years old," and was taught by Sham and Nuach (Shem and Noah) to follow the Heavenly Father's commands from a very young age (Yashar/Jasher 9:5-6), and was by this time referred to as the forefather of Yasharal to whom the New Covenant Promises were made. Abraham had even taken the Ancient Books containing the Inspired Scriptures of his forefathers (like those of Chanak, Nuach and Mathushalach), and translated them from Ancient Hebrew (the Language of Creation) into Aramaic, his native tongue, to study them even further (Yubalym/Jubilees 12). Therefore, this position would be a gross misinterpretation of the Text, as Abram certainly knew and understood how to avoid Unrighteousness which would lead to disease and curses, and to Righteously live and how to consume foods for healing (Yub. 10:10-14).
Still, various other passages explain these particular foods were provided as a blessing to His People:
"1And Alahym blessed Nuach (Noah) and his sons, and said to them, “Bear fruit and increase, and fill the earth. 2And the fear of you and the dread of you is on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the heavens, on all that creeps on the ground, and on all the fish of the sea – into your hand they have been given. 3Every moving creature that lives is food for you. I have given you all, as I gave the green plants. 4But do not eat flesh with its life, its blood. 5But only your blood for your lives I require, from the hand of every beast I require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I require the life of man. 6Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood is shed, for in the Image of Alahym has He made man. 7As for you, bear fruit and increase, bring forth teemingly in the earth and increase in it.” 8And Alahym spoke to Nuach and to his sons with him, saying, 9“And I, see, I establish My Covenant with you and with your seed after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you: of the birds, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth."
-Barashyth/Genesis 9:1-10
As we see, Yah certainly Ordained meat to be for food, as well as plants. However, part of the Covenant re-established with Nuach (Noah) reaffirms humans should not consume blood, as was often done in the day of the Naphalym leading up to the Great Flood. But what about animal products, such as milk, eggs, honey and dairy? Is it really immoral for humans to consume these as many suggest? Does Scripture warn they will "cause inflammation" and "wreck our hormones" as many vegan-dietitians proclaim?
"1And Mashah (Moses), with the elders of Yasharal, commanded the people, saying, “Guard all the commands which I am commanding you today. 2And it shall be, on the day when you pass over the Yardan (Jordan) to the land which יהוה your Alahym is giving you, that you shall set up for yourselves large stones, and plaster them with plaster, 3and Write on them all the Words of this Torah, when you have passed over, so that you go into the Land which יהוה your Alahym is giving you, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey,’ as יהוה Alahym of your fathers has spoken to you."
-Deuteronomy 27:1-3
"13He made him ride in the heights of the earth, And he ate the fruit of the fields, And He made him to draw honey from the rock, And oil from the flinty rock, 14Curds from the cattle, And milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, And rams of the breed of Bashan, And goats, with the choicest wheat; And you drank wine, the blood of the grapes."
-Deuteronomy 32:13-14
The Creator of Heaven and Earth doesn't think so. In fact, He describes these and other controversial food groups such as wheat, fruit juice/wine and animal fat to be quite nutritious, causing His People to thrive on "the heights of heaven", rather than barely survive.
Meat: Genesis 18:8/Yashar 18:8 (veal: a young calf) and beef, Yubalym/Jubilees 29:15 (mutton: older sheep)
Fat of Livestock: Deuteronomy 32:14
Milk: Gen. 18:8, Deuteronomy 32:14, Yubalym/Jubilees 29:15
Cheese: Genesis 18:8, YashaYahu/Isaiah 7:15, Yubalym 29:15,
Butter: Psalms 55:21, Proverbs 30:33, Deut. 32:14, Yubalym 29:15
Bread: Genesis 18:5-6, Yubalym 29:15
Eggs: Deut. 22:6, Yub/Job 6:6, Luke 11:12, YashaYahu 10:14
Honey: Deut. 32:13, YashaYahu 7:15, Proverbs 16:24, Proverbs 24:13, Proverbs 81:16, Judges 14:8
Produce (vegetables, grain, grapes, fruit, olive oil, dates): Deut. 32:12-14, Yubalym 29:15
But was this always the intent? Did Yah originally redesign humankind to function as omnivores in their fallen nature, before the Great Flood as some suggest? Or was this a secondary curse only permitted after the Flood, after which humans became corrupted by the teachings of the fallen angels leading to the "unnecessary" deaths of animals? To understand, we will have to revisit earlier passages of Scripture such as those which describe Adam & Chuah (Eve) and their sons.
Consuming Meat & the Offering of Sacrifices
Although many Christian pastors and Messianic rabbis teach the first sacrifices were offered after the Torah of Mashah (Moses) was given at Mount Syanay (Sinai), we actually see evidence of the earliest sacrifices for sin and atonement (temporary covering of shame), tithes, and their connection of the consumption of meat as early as Adam & Chuah (Eve) in the Day they fell.
"And to Adam also he said, Because you have hearkened unto the voice of your woman,
and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat thereof, cursed be the ground for your sake: thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to you,
and you shall eat your bread in the sweat of your face, till you return to the earth from whence you were taken; for earth you are, and unto earth shall you return.
And he made for them coats of skin, and clothed them, and sent them forth from the Garden of Adun (Eden). And on that day on which Adam went forth from the Garden,
he offered as a sweet savor an offering, frankincense, galbanum, and stacte, and spices in the morning with the rising of the sun from the day when he covered his shame.
And on that day was closed the mouth of all beasts, and of cattle, and of birds, and of whatsoever walks, and of whatsoever moves, so that they could no longer speak: for they had all spoken one with another with one lip and with one tongue. And he sent out of the Garden of Adun all flesh that was in the Garden of Adun, and all flesh was scattered according to its kinds, and according to its types unto the places which had been created for them. And to Adam alone did he give the wherewithal to cover his shame, of all the beasts and cattle. On this account, it is prescribed on the Heavenly Tablets as touching all those who know the judgment of the Torah, that they should cover their shame, and should not uncover themselves as the other nations uncover themselves."
-Yubalym/Jubilees 3:26-32
Later passages explain the sacrifice of animals continued even thereafter, as mentioned during the description of Cain & Abel's infamous feud (Adam & Chuah/Eve's sons) which ultimately led to Abel's untimely and unrighteous death (Bar./Gen. 4, Yub./Jub. 4, Jash./Yash. 1):
"And Adam and his woman transgressed the command of Alahym which he commanded them, and Alahym knew it, and his anger was kindled against them and he cursed them. And Yahuah Alahym drove them that day from the Garden of Adun (Eden), to till the ground from which they were taken, and they went and dwelt at the east of the Garden of Adun; and Adam knew his woman Chuah (Eve) and she bore two sons and three daughters. And she called the name of the firstborn Qayin (Cain), saying, I have obtained a man from Yahuah, and the name of the other she called H'abal (Abel), for she said, in vanity we came into the earth, and in vanity we shall be taken from it.
And the boys grew up and their father gave them a possession in the land; and Qayin was a tiller of the ground, and H'abal a keeper of sheep. And it was at the expiration of a few years, that they brought an approximating offering to Yahuah, and Qayin brought from the fruit of the ground, and H'abal brought from the firstlings of his flock from the fat thereof, and Alahym turned and inclined to H'abal and his offering, and a fire came down from Yahuah from heaven and consumed it. And unto Qayin and his offering Yahuah did not turn, and he did not incline to it, for he had brought from the inferior fruit of the ground before Yahuah, and Qayin was jealous against his brother H'abal on account of this, and he sought a pretext to slay him.
And in some time after, Qayin and H'abal his brother, went one day into the field to do their work; and they were both in the field, Qayin tilling and plowing his ground, and H'abal feeding his flock; and the flock passed that part which Qayin had plowed in the ground, and it sorely grieved Qayin on this account. And Qayin approached his brother H'abal in anger, and he said unto him, What is there between me and you, that you come to dwell and bring your flock to feed in my land? And H'abal answered his brother Qayin and said unto him, What is there between me and you, that you shall eat the flesh of my flock and clothe yourself with their wool? And now therefore, put off the wool of my sheep with which you have clothed yourself, and recompense me for their fruit and flesh which you have eaten, and when you shall have done this, I will then go from your land as you have said? And Qayin said to his brother H'abal, Surely if I slay you this day, who will require your blood from me?" -Yashar/Jasher 1:11-21
As we see, this "sacrificial offering" was considered an approximation offering out of the flock which Abel was able to produce for the consumption of meat and use of other animal products such as wool for coverings. As we know, tithes were often observed prior to the Law of Mashah (Gen. 14:20), and thereafter (Levi. 23:10-13), but purification from guilt and shame from sin for atonement only comes through blood "because the life is in the blood" (Gen. 9:4, Levi. 16:16 & 17:10-16, Heb. 9:22) which always foreshadowed the Messiah giving up His Life as the Eternal Offering once and for all (Heb. 10). This explains why Abel's offering was received by Yah, whereas Abel's was not. Scripture states elsewhere Chanak (Enoch) was "perfect and Righteous" and also made sacrificial offerings:
"1And Belief is the substance of what is Expected, the proof of what is not seen.
2For by this the elders obtained Witness. 3By Belief, we understand that the Ages were prepared by the Word of Alahym, so that what is seen was not made of what is visible.
4By Belief, Heḇel offered to Alahym a greater slaughter offering than Qayin,
through which he obtained Witness that he was Righteous, Alahym Witnessing of his gifts. And through it, having died, he still speaks. 5By Belief, Chanak (Enoch) was translated so as not to see death, “and was not found because Alahym had translated him.”
For before his translation he obtained Witness, that he pleased Alahym.
6But without Belief it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to Alahym has to Believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him."
-Abarym/Hebrews 11:1-6
"And in the eleventh jubilee Yarad (Jered) took to himself a woman, and her name was Baraka, the daughter of Rasujal, a daughter of his father's brother, in the fourth week of this jubilee, and she bore him a son in the fifth week, in the fourth year of the jubilee, and he called his name Chanak (Enoch). And he burnt the incense of the Sanctuary, even sweet spices acceptable before Yahuah on the Mount. For Yahuah has four places on the earth, the Garden of Adun, and the Mount of the East, and this Mountain on which you are this day, Mount Sayanay, and Mount Tsayan which will be Sanctified in the New Creation for a Sanctification of the earth; through it will the earth be Sanctified from all its guilt and its uncleanness throughout the generations of the world."
-Yub./Jub. 4:16 & 25-26
Jubilees 21 states Chanak's offerings of incense which served to sanctify, cleanse and temporarily cover uncleanness of sin in the earth weren't plant-based alone, as Abraham references them in the command to consume the meat of those offerings within two days:
"And if you do slay a victim as an acceptable peace offering, slay ye it, and pour out its blood upon the altar, and all the fat of the offering offer on the altar with fine flour and the oblation mingled with oil, with its drink offering offer them all together on the altar of the ascending smoke offering; it is a sweet savor before Yahuah. And you will offer the fat of the sacrifice of thank offerings on the fire which is upon the altar, and the fat which is on the belly, and all the fat on the inwards and the two kidneys, and all the fat that is upon them, and upon the loins and liver you shall remove, together with the kidneys. And offer all these for a sweet savor acceptable before Yahuah, with its oblation and with its drink offering, for a sweet savor, the bread of the offering unto Yahuah. And eat its meat on that day and on the second day, and let not the sun on the second day go down upon it till it is eaten, and let nothing be left over for the third day; for it is not acceptable for it is not approved and let it no longer be eaten, and all who eat thereof will bring sin upon themselves; for thus I have found it Written in the Books of my forefathers, and in the Words of Chanak, and in the Words of Nuach. And on all your oblations you shall strew salt, and let not the salt of the Covenant be lacking in all your oblations before Yahuah."
-Yubalym/Jubilees 21:7-11
Furthermore, we see evidence hunting animals was likewise a regular occurrence even prior to the Flood, as one such incident was mentioned during the account discussing Lamach/Lemek accidentally shooting Cain, obviously mistaking him for wild-game:
"And Lemek was old and advanced in years, and his eyes were dim that he could not see, and Tubal Qayin, his son, was leading him and it was one day that Lemek went into the field and Tubal Qayin his son was with him, and while they were walking in the field, Qayin the son of Adam advanced towards them; for Lemek was very old and could not see much, and Tubal Qayin his son was very young. And Tubal Qayin told his father to draw his bow, and with the arrows he smote Qayin, who was yet far off, and he slew him, for he appeared to them to be an animal. And the arrows entered Qayin's body although he was distant from them, and he fell to the ground and died. And Yahuah requited Qayin's evil according to his wickedness, which he had done to his brother Habal, according to the Word of Yahuah which He had spoken. And it came to pass when Qayin had died, that Lemek and Tubal Qayin went to see the animal which they had slain, and they saw, and behold Qayin their grandfather was fallen dead upon the earth. And Lemek was very much grieved at having done this, and in clapping his hands together he struck his son and caused his death."
-Yashar/Jasher 2:26-31
Therefore, although many modern Believers assume Nuach and his sons were the first of humankind permitted to kill and consume animals on the earth, the earliest Inspired Texts found in the most ancient canons we have to date definitively reveal this not to be the case. However, even Genesis gives credence to this by mentioning the coats of skin taken from the sheep by Yahuah for Adam and Chuah (Eve) to "cover their shame", whereas the fig leaves were deemed insufficient. Much in the same way that Abel's sacrifice of sheep was received, whereas Cain's "inferior" fruit of the ground was not, although both were given from their hard labor.
Clean vs. Unclean
Although Scripture reveals humanity has been designed, authorized and even encouraged to consume both plants and animals for food, Scripture further clarifies certain plants and animals, and sometimes certain parts of those plants and animals are not considered fit for human consumption. That which are designated as "clean" are defined as "food", whereas those which are "unclean" are not. Although some believe the terms "clean" and "unclean" solely refer to those which were permitted to be sacrificed in the Temple during the Age of the First Covenant Law of Mashah (Moses), Scripture reveals they were designated as such because they were designed as human "food" long before the Law was given to His People at Mount Sinai:
"1And יהוה said to Nuach (Noah), “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are Righteous before Me in this generation. 2Of all the clean beasts take with you seven pairs, a male and his female; and of the beasts that are unclean two, a male and his female; 3and of birds of the heavens seven pairs, male and female, to keep offspring alive on the face of all the earth."
-Barashyth/Genesis 7:2
This passage reveals some animals were sent out of the garden with the designation as those which were created to provide sustenance for human consumption, whereas others would not. This fact is further illustrated as Nuach (Noah) and his sons and their families where permitted to "eat all the things", although in context, he'd have realized this obviously did not include the unclean animals (like poisonous tree frogs), or unclean plants (like poison hemlock) which wouldn't have been considered "food". This Scriptural definition of food is further expressed in the passages commanding the necessity of each kind to be gathered into the Ark. Several more pairs of "clean animals" were required on the Ark than the "unclean pairs". This ratio ensured population growth would not be severely stunted shortly after exiting the Ark, due to the consumption of those considered "food". However, this is certainly made clear in the description later discussed in the torah (although certain species may be debated, as in the case of the LXX):
"1“You are the Children of יהוה your Alahym. Do not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead, 2for you are a Set Apart people to יהוה your Alahym, and יהוה has Chosen you to be a People for Himself, a treasured Possession above all the Peoples who are on the face of the earth. 3Do not eat whatever is abominable. 4These are the living creatures which you do eat: ox, sheep, and goat, 5deer, and gazelle, and roebuck, and wild goat, and mountain goat, and antelope, and mountain sheep. 6And every beast that has a split hoof divided in two, chewing the cud, among the beasts, you do eat. 7But of those chewing the cud or those having a split hoof completely divided, you do not eat, such as these: the camel, and the hare, and the rabbit, for they chew the cud but do not have a split hoof, they are unclean for you. 8And the pig is unclean for you, because it has a split hoof, but does not chew the cud. You do not eat their flesh or touch their dead carcasses. 9These you do eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales you do eat. 10And whatever does not have fins and scales you do not eat, it is unclean for you. 11Any clean bird you do eat, 12but these you do not eat: the eagle, and the vulture, and the black vulture, 13and the red kite, and the falcon, and the buzzard after their kinds, 14and every raven after its kind, 15and the ostrich, and the nighthawk, and the seagull, and the hawk after their kinds, 16the little owl, and the great owl, and the white owl, 17and the pelican, and the carrion vulture, and the fisher owl, 18and the stork, and the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe and the bat. 19And every creeping insect that flies is unclean for you, they are not eaten. 20Any clean bird you do eat. 21Do not eat whatever dies of itself. Give it to the stranger who is within your gates, to eat it, or sell it to a foreigner. For you are a Set Apart people to יהוה your Alahym. Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk."
-Deuteromony 14:1-20 ISR98
"1And Yahuah spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,"2Speak ye to the sons of Yasharal,
saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat of all beasts that are upon the earth.
3Every beast parting the hoof and making divisions of two claws,
and chewing the cud among beasts, these ye shall eat. 4But of these ye shall not eat,
of those that chew the cud, and of those that part the hoofs, and divide claws; the camel, because it chews the cud, but does not divide the hoof, this is unclean to you.
5And the rabbit, because it chews the cud, but does not divide the hoof, this is unclean to you. 6And the hare, because it does not chew the cud, and does not divide the hoof, this is unclean to you. 7And the swine, because this animal divides the hoof, and makes claws of the hoof, and it does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8Ye shall not eat of their flesh, and ye shall not touch their carcases; these are unclean to you. 9And these are what ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all things that have fins and scales in the waters, and in the seas, and in the brooks, these ye shall eat. 10And all things which have not fins or scales in the water, or in the seas, and in the brooks, of all which the waters produce, and of every soul living in the water, are an abomination; and they shall be abominations to you. 11Ye shall not eat of their flesh, and ye shall abhor their carcases. 12And all things that have not fins or scales of those that are in the waters, these are an abomination to you. 13And these are the things which ye shall abhor of birds, and they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle and the ossifrage, and the sea-eagle. 14And the vulture, and the kite, and the like to it; 15and the sparrow, and the owl, and the sea-mew, and the like to it: 16and every raven, and the birds like it, and the hawk and his like, 17and the night-raven and the cormorant and the stork, 18and the red-bill, and the pelican, and swan, 19and the heron, and the lapwing, and the like to it, and the hoopoe and the bat. 20And all winged creatures that creep, which go upon four feet, are abominations to you. 21But these ye shall eat of the creeping winged animals, which go upon four feet, which have legs above their feet, to leap with on the earth. 22And these of them ye shall eat: the caterpillar and his like, and the attacus and his like, and the cantharus and his like, and the locust and his like. 23Every creeping thing from among the birds, which has four feet, is an abomination to you. 24And by these ye shall be defiled; every one that touches their carcases shall be unclean till the evening. 25And every one that takes of their dead bodies shall wash his garments, and shall be unclean till the evening. 26And whichever among the beasts divides the hoof and makes claws, and does not chew the cud, shall be unclean to you; every one that touches their dead bodies shall be unclean till evening. 27And every one among all the wild beasts that moves upon its fore feet, which goes on all four, is unclean to you; every one that touches their dead bodies shall be unclean till evening. 28And he that takes of their dead bodies shall wash his garments, and shall be unclean till evening: these are unclean to you. 29And these are unclean to you of reptiles upon the earth, the weasel, and the mouse, and the lizard, 30the ferret, and the chameleon, and the evet, and the newt, and the mole. 31These are unclean to you of all the reptiles which are on the earth; every one who touches their carcases shall be unclean till evening. 32And on whatsoever one of their dead bodies shall fall it shall be unclean; whatever wooden vessel, or garment, or skin, or sack it may be, every vessel in which work should be done, shall be dipped in water, and shall be unclean till evening; and then it shall be clean. 33And every earthen vessel into which one of these things shall fall, whatsoever is inside it, shall be unclean, and it shall be broken. 34And all food that is eaten, on which water shall come from such a vessel, shall be unclean; and every beverage which is drunk in any such vessel, shall be unclean. 35And every thing on which there shall fall of their dead bodies shall be unclean; ovens and stands for jars shall be broken down: these are unclean, and they shall be unclean to you. 36Only if the water be of fountains of water, or a pool, or confluence of water, it shall be clean; but he that touches their carcasses shall be unclean. 37And if one of their carcasses should fall upon any sowing seed which shall be sown, it shall be clean. 38But if water be poured on any seed, and one of their dead bodies fall upon it, it is unclean to you. 39And if one of the cattle die, which it is lawful for you to eat, he that touches their carcases shall be unclean till evening. 40And he that eats of their carcasses shall wash his garments, and be unclean till evening; and he that carries any of their carcasses shall wash his garments, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean till evening. 41And every reptile that creeps on the earth, this shall be an abomination to you; it shall not be eaten. 42And every animal that creeps on its belly, and every one that goes on four feet continually, which abounds with feet among all the reptiles creeping upon the earth - ye shall not eat it, for it is an abomination to you. 43And ye shall not defile your souls with any of the reptiles that creep upon the earth, and ye shall not be polluted with them, and ye shall not be unclean by them. 44For I am Yahuah your Alahym; and ye shall be sanctified, and ye shall be Set Apart, because I Yahuah your Alahym am holy; and ye shall not defile your souls with any of the reptiles creeping upon the earth. 45For I am Yahuah Who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your Alahym; and ye shall be holy, for I Yahuah am Set Apart. 46This is the law concerning beasts and birds and every living creature moving in the water, and every living creature creeping on the earth; 47to distinguish between the unclean and the clean; and between those that bring forth alive, such as should be eaten, and those that bring forth alive, such as should not be eaten."
-Leviticus 11:1-46
"10And whatever man of the Children of Yasharal, or of the strangers abiding among you, shall eat any blood, I will even set my face against that soul that eats blood, and will destroy it from its people. 11For the life of flesh is its blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for its blood shall make atonement for the soul. 12Therefore I said to the children of Yasharal, No soul of you shall eat blood, and the stranger that abides among you shall not eat blood. 13And whatever man of the children of Yasharal, or of the strangers abiding among you shall take any animal in hunting, beast, or bird, which is eaten, then shall he pour out the blood, and cover it in the dust.
14For the blood of all flesh is its life; and I said to the Children of Yasharal, Ye shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood: every one that eats it shall be destroyed. 15And every soul which eats that which has died of itself, or is taken of beasts, either among the natives or among the strangers, shall wash his garments, and bathe himself in water, and shall be unclean until evening: then shall he be clean. 16But if he do not wash his garments, and do not bathe his body in water, then shall he bear his iniquity."
-Leviticus 17:10-16
As we see, the torah clearly states the flesh of clean animals may be consumed during this Age of Corruption. However, the torah forbids any blood to be consumed, even that which is harvested from "clean animals". Although, Scripture does not give explicit instructions on how to precisely slaughter livestock, so as to ensure every drop of blood is removed from the carcass, nor does it state it must be slaughtered in a specific way in order to be consumed, nor does Scripture state the animal should be slaughtered without any pain (as many plant-based advocates believe). Still, the USDA standards require minimal suffering and even closely regulates religious ritual slaughtering so as to prevent any unnecessary suffering regardless of the USDA Organic certification. Regardless, Scripture does discourage consuming meat which is killed by strangulation (not necessarily due to the style of slaughtering, but because this style of slaughter commonly practiced by pagans was often done so as to prevent the blood from pouring out for use in certain rituals, as opposed to what would be done during regular slaughtering, e.g. a clean cut across the throat allowing the blood to pour out.
"19Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the gentiles who are turning to Alahym, 20but that we write to them to abstain from the defilements of idols, and from whoring, and from what is strangled, and from blood."
-Acts 15:19-20
In the case of strangulation, or any other method of slaughter which does not automatically cause release of the blood (such as shooting as which was often done in hunting), the carcass should be drained of its blood before it would be fit for human consumption. We know hunting is an acceptable form of slaughter (which would be similar to strangulation in terms of pain and the problem of releasing blood from the carcass), as certain verses discuss this practice in a favorable light from the Father in Heaven's perspective, along with those who He highly favored:
"And Kush begat Nimrod: he began to be a warrior and hunter in the earth. He was a warrior and a hunter before Yahuah: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the warrior hunter before Yahuah." -Genesis 10:8-9
"And the boys grew: and Asau (Esau) was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Ya`aqub was an upright man, dwelling in tents. And Yatschaq (Issac) loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rabaqah (Rebekah) loved Ya`aqub (Jacob)." -Genesis 25:27-28
"And whatsoever man there be of the Children of Yasharal, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunts and catches any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust." -Leviticus 17:13
However, even when drained of blood, many Talmudic Observant Believers follow the example of certain rabbis who teach soaking their meat in a type of salt-brine in order to "purge the meat 100% of all blood". Although this isn't necessarily unsafe, Scripture doesn't actually command such a practice. Therefore, the custom should be considered taking extra steps of precaution, rather than actually necessary. Much like the torah does not require scrubbing and sanitizing every square inch of an entire house with vinegar to kill and remove every single microgram of yeast during the week of Unleavened Bread, yet discourages the consumption of sourdough and leavened products for those particular eight days. In the same way, Talmudic practices encourage going "above and beyond" out of unnecessary fear for lack of understanding. Similarly, this saltwater bath practice is more often observed in modern days due to a misunderstanding of the nature of the red fluid which is commonly found in packaged meat. This substance is often mistaken for blood, however, this red fluid is not blood, but muscle myoglobin (not to be confused for hemoglobin, a component of blood).
Still, the torah also explains it is not just certain animals and parts of animals, which are not authorized for consumption. For instance, although the fruit from certain plants are edible, they are discouraged from harvesting and consuming in the first few years of a plant's life so the tree can grow strong and healthy in order to thrive later. Just as in the case with consuming certain animals (such as snakes) which may cause great bodily disfunction, maiming, or death, so do various concoctions made from plants:
"23And whenever ye shall enter into the land which Yahuah your Alahym gives you,
and shall plant any fruit-tree, then shall ye purge away its uncleanness;
its fruit shall be three years uncleansed to you, it shall not be eaten.
24And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be Set Apart, a subject of praise to Yahuah.
25And in the fifth year ye shall eat the fruit, its produce is an increase to you.
I am Yahuah your Alahym. 26Eat not on the mountains, nor shall ye employ auguries (omens), nor divine by inspection of birds. 27Ye shall not make a round cutting of the hair of your head, nor disfigure your beard. 28And ye shall not make cuttings in your body for a dead body, and ye shall not inscribe on yourselves any marks.
I am Yahuah your Alahym."
-Leviticus 19:23-26
"The name of the fifth is Kasyade: he discovered to the children of men every wicked stroke of the spirits and of devils: The stroke to the embryo in the womb, to diminish; the stroke to the spirit by the bite of the serpent, and the midday stroke of the offspring of the serpent, the name of which is Tabaet."
-1 Chanak/Enoch 69:17-18
"And Lemek, the son of Methusha'el, became related to Qeynan by marriage, and he took his two daughters for his women, and Adah conceived and bore a son to Lemek, and she called his name Yaval. And she again conceived and bore a son, and called his name Yuval; and Tsillah, her sister, was barren in those days and had no offspring. For in those days the sons of men began to transgress against Alahym, and to transgress the commandments which he had commanded to Adam, to be fruitful and multiply in the earth. And some of the sons of men caused their women to drink a draught that would render them barren, in order that they might retain their figures and whereby their beautiful appearance might not fade. And when the sons of men caused some of their women to drink, Tsillah drank with them. And the child bearing women appeared abominable in the sight of their men as widows, while their men lived, for to the barren ones only they were attached."
-Yashar/Jasher 2:17-22
Therefore, sometimes the fruit, leaves, stems, bark, seeds or roots of those plants are considered "clean" in and of themselves, but certain other parts of the plants or styles of preparations (like their use in highly concentrated liquid form such as tinctures and fermentation, or magical potions) are banned so as to prevent their use in "drug sorcery". This is especially discouraged when plants, even the "clean ones", are used in ways which may cause unnecessary physical inebriation because mind-altering drugs can cause loss of self-control, and therefore subject the body, mind and spirit to more vulnerability towards demonic influence. As the very purpose of "drug sorcery" was taught by the Fallen Messengers in the Beginning for this very purpose to lead mankind to their spiritual and physical "death and destruction":
"Then they took women, each choosing for himself;
whom they began to approach, and with whom they cohabited;
teaching them sorcery, incantations, and the dividing of roots and trees."
-1 Chanak/Enoch 7:10
"Amzarak taught all the sorcerers, and dividers of roots.
Armers the solution of sorcery."
-1 Chanak/Enoch 8:4
"19And the works of the flesh are well-known, which are these:
adultery, whoring, uncleanness, indecency, 20idolatry, drug sorcery,
hatred, quarrels, jealousies, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21envy, murders, drunkenness, wild parties, and the like – of which I forewarn you, even as I also said before, that those who practice such as these shall not inherit the Reign of Alahym. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustworthiness, 23gentleness, self-control.
Against such there is no Torah."
-Galatians 5:19-23
However, that is not to say all naturopathic herbal "remedies" are "drug sorcery". Scripture speaks to the Righteous use of natural healing properties in certain plants quite extensively.
"He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man's heart."
-Psalms 104:14-15
Sometimes, even those which may cause acute mind and body disfunction may be used to control intense pain:
"6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those embittered in being. 7Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his trouble no more."
-Proverbs 31:6-7
However, Scripture also states they should not be exploited for pleasure, or used regularly to avoid repentance from the mindsets or sins which caused the problem in the first place:
"And we explained to Nuach (Noah) all the medicines of their diseases, together with their seductions, how he might heal them with herbs of the earth. And Nuach Wrote down all things in a Book as we instructed him concerning every kind of medicine. Thus the evil spirits were precluded from hurting the sons of Nuach. And he gave all that he had Written to Shem, his eldest son; for he loved him exceedingly above all his sons."
-Yub./Jub. 10:12-14
However, this is not to suggest herbal remedies should be the end-all, be-all of healing. Apart from Righteous favor of Yah, true healing may not come. Therefore, a holistic approach to healing is best when taking the body, mind and spirit into consideration:
"Honor a physician with the honor due unto him for
the uses which ye may have of him: for Yahuah has created him.
For of Al Alyun comes healing, and he shall receive honor of the king. The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration. Yahuah has created medicines out of the earth; and he that is Wise will not abhor them. Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known?
And He has given men skill, that he might be honored in his marvellous works.
With such he heals men, and takes away their pains. Of such the Apothecary makes a confection; and of his works there is no end; and from him is peace over all the earth.
My son, in your sickness be not negligent: but pray unto Yahuah,
and He will make you whole. Leave off from sin, and order your hands aright,
and cleanse your heart from all wickedness."
-Sirach/Ecclestiasticus 38:1-10
"For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that restored them to health:
but Your Word, O Yahuah, which heals all things."
-Wisdom of Solomon 16:12
To Eat, or Not to Eat
"All is permitted me, but not all are beneficial.
All is permitted me, but not all build up."
-1 Corinthians 10:23
So, although humankind are permitted to consume clean plants and animals, some Believers still ask, "But should we?" They wonder, should Believers in the Messiah not consider we have been called to a "higher calling" and practice abstinence "as Paul says"? Based on this particular interpretation, they take Paul to declare in 1 Corin. 10:23 that although consuming meat and other animal products, natural medicine, bread, and even alcohol are technically authorized by torah, if we desire to be "as Perfect as the Father in Heaven in Perfect," as the Messiah commands, or seek "more Righteousness" (Rev. 22:11), then abstinence from certain food groups may be more Righteous, more beneficial, or more moral.
For example, is it really best to cause animals "unnecessary discomfort" and/or death, as is often required during livestock management and slaughtering? In the same vein, some suggest instead of using naturopathic remedies, Faith in the Father's ability to supernaturally heal us through Confession, Repentance and Belief in the Messiah's Eternal Atonement should totally replace our "need" for medicine. Furthermore, we are called to be "sober-minded" putting on the "breastplate of Faithfulness" (1 Thess. 5:8), therefore "Should total alcohol abstinence be equated with the strongest breastplate"? However, this interpretation of the text does not truly take Paul's complete Letter to the Corinthians into account for proper context. Nor does it support the Messiah and Disciples' view on these particular topics as revealed through various other New Covenant Books of Scripture. For instance, the Synoptic Gospels describe the Messiah's Last Supper at Passover with His closest disciples consuming not just one, but all of the above:
"7And the Day of Unleavened Bread came when the Passover had to be slaughtered. 8And He sent Kĕpha and Yoḥanan, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us to eat.” 9And they said to Him, “Where do You wish us to prepare?” 10And He said to them, “See, as you enter into the city, a man shall meet you carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house he enters. 11And you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I might eat the Passover with My taught ones?” ’ 12“And he shall show you a large, furnished upper room. Prepare it there.” 13And going they found it as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. 14And when the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve emissaries with Him. 15And He said to them, “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before My suffering, 16for I say to you, I shall certainly not eat of it again until it is filled in the Reign of Alahym.” 17And taking the cup, giving thanks, He said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves, 18for I say to you, I shall certainly not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Reign of Alahym comes.” 19And taking bread, giving thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of Me.” 20Likewise the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the New Covenant in My blood which is shed for you."
-Luke 22:7-20
Good Husbandry
Regardless, many Believers still assert consuming these particular food groups and/or using livestock to help produce them outside of the commanded times would be unnecessary, and some even consider it addiction, gluttony, drunkardly, or blood thirst. Why? Mostly because the Word states a "Righteous one cares for the life of beasts" (Proverbs 12:10), but unrighteous ones do not. While they are correct in that Scripture does teach mankind to value the lives of their livestock, this verse does not state or insinuate concern for their well-being means livestock should not be reared for drafting, meat and animal products, or should only be consumed if they have been reared in the most comfortable conditions or slaughtered in the most painless way possible. Instead, the verse in context states that while they are rearing them for such, he practices good animal-husbandry. We are given the example of the Heavenly Father and Son's concern for animals as a model:
"26Look at the birds of the heaven, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into storehouses, yet your Heavenly Father does feed them. Are you not worth more than they?"
-MathathYahu 6:26
"25Who gives food to all flesh, for His kindness is everlasting."
-Psalms 136:25
"Your Righteousness is like the mighty mountains;
Your Right-rulings are a great deep; O יהוה, You save man and beast."
-Psalms 36:6
""11He feeds His flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs with His arm,
and carries them in His bosom, gently leading those who are with young."
-YashaYahu/Isaiah 40:11
"1Yahuah is my shepherd; I do not lack. 2He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters. 3He turns back my being; He leads me in paths of Righteousness For His Name’s sake. 4When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil. For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You spread before me a table in the face of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6Only goodness and kindness follow me All the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the House of יהוה, To the length of days!"
-Psalms 23:1-5
So, if we desire to be "perfect as Yah is perfect" (Math. 5:48) as the Messiah commands, we should also have concern for the physical needs and well-being of our livestock which He gives us to steward for nutrition, shelter and clothing:
"Do not muzzle an ox while it is threshing."
-Deuteronomy 25:4
"4When you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall certainly return it to him. 5When you see the donkey of him who hates you lying under its burden,
you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall certainly help him."
-Exodus 23:4-5
"3And יהושע responding, spoke to those learned in the Torah and the Pharisees,
saying, “Is it right to heal on the Sabbath? 4But they were silent. So taking hold of him He healed him, and let him go. 5And to them He said, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, shall not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?”
-Luke 14:3-5
"23Do thou thoroughly know the number of thy flock, and pay attention to thine herds. 24For a man has not strength and power for ever; neither does he transmit it from generation to generation. 25Take care of the herbage in the field, and thou shalt cut grass, and gather the mountain hay; 26that thou mayest have wool of sheep for clothing: pay attention to the land, that thou mayest have lambs. 27My son, thou hast from me Words very useful for thy life, and for the life of thy servants.
-Proverbs 27:23-27
Some still suggest, true concern would require livestock to only be consumed if they are "pasture-raised, free-range, and 100% grass-fed" in order to be "properly cared for". Others suggest herd animals should have never been taken in captivity, as they are naturally migratory animals and must be completely "wild-caught" or else they grow "fat" and their meat becomes "unhealthy". Others simply believe the spirit of an animal is equally important to the Heavenly Father as mankind, and therefore, "we should treat them as we would want to be treated"... and no one wants to work or be eaten, right? Although, Scripture does not state livestock must be free-range, or pasture-raised, or 100% grass-fed, nor does it say livestock (domesticated animals), fish and/or wild-game must be wild-caught or hunted in the field. However, Scripture does say it is acceptable and sometimes even necessary to keep livestock fenced-in or tethered. Likewise, while there are certain limitations on proper yoking (Deut. 22:10), they aren't just forbidden from consuming grain but more so encouraged. Scripture also states utilizing livestock for the purposes of planting, sowing and harvesting is likewise acceptable. We must remember, even the New Testament declares the Father cares for the animals, however He holds the needs of mankind in higher esteem:
"9For it has been written in the Torah of Mashah (Moses), “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it about oxen Alahym is concerned? 10Or does He say it because of us all? For this was Written because of us, that he who ploughs should plough in expectation, and the thresher in expectation of sharing. 11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap material goods from you? 12If others share authority over you, should not rather we? But we have not used this authority, but we put up with all, lest we hinder the Good News of Messiah."
-1 Corinthians 9:9-12
Therefore, Scriptural "concern for the life of his beast", includes caring they are safely housed, watered and fed rather than always perfectly happy or comfortable, or given a perfect diet of wild-water and pasture.
Unnecessary Meat Consumption
Scripture elsewhere reveals the Messiah personally approved of, and even encouraged consuming meat from "fatted" livestock (which is normally done by allowing them to consume grain), aside from the regular feasts, or during times of intense hunger, often referring to them in His parables in a positive light, sometimes comparing their consumption with the Kingdom of Heaven:
"3And He spoke this parable to them, saying, 4“What man among you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5And having found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And having come home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
7“I say to you that in the same way there shall be more joy in the heaven over one sinner repenting, than over ninety-nine "righteous ones" who "need no repentance"..."
"21“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against the heaven,
and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him,
and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23‘And bring the fattened calf here and slaughter it, and let us eat and rejoice, 24because this son of mine was dead and is alive again, and he was lost and is found.’ And they began to rejoice."
-Luke 15:3-7 & 15:23-27
"1And Yahusha responded and spoke to them again by parables and said, 2The Reign of the Heavens is like a man, a sovereign, who made a Wedding Feast for his son, 3and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the Wedding Feast. But they would not come. 4Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Say to those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle are slaughtered, and all is ready.
Come to the Wedding Feast.”' -MathathYahu/Matthew 22:1-4
However, pasture-raised/grain-fed livestock is not the only animal consumption encouraged by Messiah, Scripture does say fishing with nets, fishing with a pole & fishing line, and hunting for food is acceptable, and even commanded by Messiah:
"3Shim‛on Kĕpha said to them, “I am going to fish.” They said to him, “We are also coming with you.” They went out and immediately entered into the boat. And that night they caught none at all. 4But when it became early morning, Yahusha stood on the beach. However, the taught ones did not know that it was Yahusha. 5Then Yahusha said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6And He said to them, “Throw the net on the right side of the boat, and you shall find.” So they threw, and they were no longer able to draw it in because of the large number of fish. 7That taught one whom Yahusha loved then said to Kĕpha, “It is the Master!” Then Shim‛on Kĕpha, hearing that it was the Master, put on his outer garment – for he was stripped – and plunged into the sea. 8And the other taught ones came in the little boat – for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits – dragging the net with fish. 9So when they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10Yahusha said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.” 11Shim‛on Kĕpha went up and dragged the net to land, filled with one hundred and fifty-three big fishes. And though there were so many, the net was not broken. 12Yahusha said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And not one of the taught ones had the courage to ask Him, “Who are You?,” knowing that it was the Master. 13Yahusha came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time Yahusha was manifested to His taught ones after He was raised from the dead."-Yahuchanan/John 21:3-13
"41And while they were still not believing for joy, and marvelling, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43And taking it He ate in their presence. 44And He said to them, “These are the Words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all have to be filled that were Written in the Torah of Mashah and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”
-Luke 24:41-44
Therefore, since Scripture declares the Messiah also consumed meat, and that we should follow His example (although we are no longer commanded to offer ritual sacrifice, Heb. 7:12 & Ch.10), as well as discussed consuming animals and animal-products approvingly, it would be incorrect to assume He disagrees with the perspective of the Father, or that He calls His followers to refrain from such as part of our "higher calling" of the New Covenant Reign:
"The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked."
-1 Yahuchanan/John 2:6
Furthermore, Scripture reveals the Messiah's disciples likewise approved of, encouraged and also personally consumed meat, fish, eggs and dairy regularly, and we are to imitate them "as they imitate Messiah" (Php. 3:17, 1 Corin. 11:1).
"3My defense to those who examine me is this: 4Do we not have a right to eat and drink? 5Do we not have a right to take along a sister – a wife – as do also the other emissaries,
and the brothers of the Master, and Kĕpha? 6Or do only Barnabah and I have no right to refrain from working? 7Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?
Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit?
Or who shepherds a flock and does not feed on the milk of the flock?
8Do I say this as a man? Or does not the Torah say the same too?
9For it has been written in the Torah of Mashah, “You shall not muzzle an ox
while it treads out the grain.” Is it about oxen Alahym is concerned?
10Or does He say it because of us all? For this was Written because of us,
that he who ploughs should plough in expectation, and the thresher in expectation of sharing. 11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap material goods from you? 12If others share authority over you, should not rather we?
But we have not used this authority, but we put up with all,
lest we hinder the Good News of Messiah. 13Do you not know that those
serving the Set Apart Place eat from the Set Apart Place, and those attending at the altar have their share of the offerings of the altar? 14So also the Master instituted that
those announcing the Good News should live from the Good News."
-1 Corinthians 9:3-14
Therefore, avoiding consuming meat, fish or animal-products does not make us any more Righteous or moral:
"A taught one is not above his Teacher, but everyone perfected shall be like his Teacher."
-Luke 6:40
As for the perceived health benefits, beyond total abstinence, Scripture says eating meat/eggs/dairy is good, a blessing, and authorized as often as preferable:
"15Only, whatever your being desires you shall slaughter and eat,
according to the blessing of יהוה your Alahym which He has given you,
within all your gates. The unclean and the clean do eat of it, of the gazelle and the deer alike. 16Only, the blood you do not eat, pour it on the earth like water."
"11And what father among you whose son asks for bread shall give him a stone, or if he asks for a fish shall give him a snake instead of a fish, 12or if he asks for an egg shall give him a scorpion? 13If you then, being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father from Heaven give the Set Apart Spirit to those asking Him!”"
-Luke 11:11-13
"9“Here is a boy who has five barley loaves and two fishes, but what are these for so many?” 10And Yahusha said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place, and the men, numbering about five thousand, sat down. 11And Yahusha took the loaves, and having given thanks He distributed them to the taught ones, and the taught ones to those sitting down. And the same with the fish, as much as they wished."
-Yahuchanan/John 6:11
However, that is not to say "as much as preferable" comes without certain limitations. Scripture does say continually eating too much food is gluttony, but it does not state precisely how much is "too much" outside of spending so much money on flesh/alcohol/feasts in general they become lazy and/or poor:
"19Hear, my son, and be Wise, and rightly direct the thoughts of thine heart.
20Be not a wine-bibber, neither continue long at feasts, and purchases of flesh:
21for every drunkard and whoremonger shall be poor; and every sluggard shall clothe himself with tatters and ragged garments."
-Proverbs 23:19-21
Therefore, spending too much money purchasing the highest quality meat and produce for long, drawn out Feasts is technically the Scriptural definition of "gluttony" and considered "worship of their stomachs" (Php. 3:19). This is most applicable if they can't clothe or shelter themselves and/or families well. Therefore, if a person's financial strain comes down to either feeding their families high quality meals and celebrating the Feast Days with extravagant food and drink or purchasing poorer quality food in order to wear suitable clothing and adequate shelter, then adequate clothing and shelter would be more important. In fact, Scripture states it is worse to be too hungry, than it is to be too full:
"8And if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household,
he has denied the Belief and is worse than an unbeliever."
-1 Timothy 5:8
Furthermore, the Word less associates fatness with sin and gluttony, and instead refers to this state as more of a blessing. In this case, the Word reminds us although animal-derived food may be more satisfying and nutritious for the the body than vegetables alone, the attitude and mindset with which we consume the food matters all the more:
"29Yahuah is far from the unrighteous; but he hearkens to the prayers of the Righteous. Better are small receipts with Righteousness, than abundant fruits with Unrighteousness. Let the heart of a man think justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of Yahuah.
30The eye that sees rightly rejoices the heart; and a good report fattens the bones."
-Proverbs 15:29-30 LXX
"13A glad heart makes good a face, But by sorrow of heart the spirit is stricken.
14The heart of the understanding one seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil, But gladness of heart is a continual Feast.
16Better is a little with the fear of יהוה, Than great treasure with trouble.
17Better is a meal of vegetables where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred."
-Proverbs 15:13-17
But just as the Word discourages overconsumption of meat and alcohol, Scripture also discourages consuming too much honey:
"16Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need,
Lest you be satisfied with it and vomit...
27It is not good to eat much honey.
Is it esteem to seek one’s own esteem?"
-Proverbs 25:16 & 25:27
So then, how much is too much? Scripture reveals, if we listen to our body's hunger, thirst and sensory signals, and draw upon the Wisdom outlined in the Word we will know if we are still hungry or really satisfied, or have had enough sugar or alcohol so we do not begin to feel sick or inebriated. In fact, the guidance to eat until "satiated" Written in the law in the Torah of Mashah (Moses) is revealed in the New Covenant Letters as the same practice and encouragement of Messiah, His Disciples and many followers. This guidance is further expressed as a preventative measure to help guard the mind, body and spirit against becoming "too full", and falling into pride forgetting the Father is the One Who brings the increase, or worse - following after their pagan neighbors' harvest cycle idolatry and should be accompanied by blessing the food and thanking Alahym instead:
"7“For יהוה your Alahym is bringing you into a good Land, a land of streams of water,
of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills, 8a land of wheat and barley,
of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey,
9a land in which you eat bread without scarcity, in which you do not lack at all,
a Land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you dig copper. 10And you shall eat and be satisfied, and shall Bless יהוה your Alahym for the good Land which He has given you. 11Be on guard, lest you forget יהוה your Alahym by not guarding His commands,
and His right-rulings, and His laws which I command you today, 12lest you eat and shall be satisfied, and build lovely houses and shall dwell in them, 13and your herds and your flocks increase, and your silver and your gold are increased, and all that you have is increased, 14that your heart then becomes lifted up, and you forget יהוה your Alahym who brought you out of the land of Matsraym (Egypt), from the house of bondage, 15who led you through that great and awesome wilderness – fiery serpents and scorpions and thirst –
where there was no water, who brought water for you out of the flinty rock, 16who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, in order to humble you and to try you, to do you good in the end, 17you then shall say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand have made for me this wealth!’ 18“But you shall remember יהוה your Alahym, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, in order to establish His Covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is today. 19And it shall be, if you by any means forget יהוה your Alahym, and follow other mighty ones, and serve them and bow yourself to them, I have warned you this day that you shall certainly perish."
-Deuteronomy 8:7-19
"12And as the day began to decline, the twelve came and said to Him,
“Send the crowd away, that going into the surrounding villages and country,
they might lodge and get food, because here we are in a lonely place.”
13But He said to them, “You give them to eat.” And they said,
“We have no more than five loaves and two fishes, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 14For there were about five thousand men. And He said to His taught ones,
“Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” 15And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16And taking the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the taught ones to set before the crowd. 17So they all ate and were satisfied, and twelve baskets of the broken pieces were picked up by them."
-Luke 9:12-17
"11“Then יהוה would guide you continually, and satisfy your being in drought,
and strengthen your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden,
and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
-YashaYahu/Isaiah 58:11
"26The meek ones do eat and are satisfied;
Let those who seek Him praise יהוה.
Let your heart live forever!"
-Psalm 22:26
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Righteousness,
because they shall be satisfied."
-MathathYahu/Matthew 5:6
Secondly, we should be aware that while no Scripturally defined food group is to be rejected altogether or deemed more or less Righteous than another, some foods are designed to be consumed in different measures for different species, man included. Often, how we prepare those foods can make them more nutritious, or less nutritious and therefore we should strive to consume a well-balanced diet and well-timed diet. Furthermore, while fatted meat, sifted flour, and sweet things may be considered a blessing, as the old saying goes, "Too much of any good thing can become a bad thing". When we gorge ourselves for the sole purpose of taste, we can become nauseous or diseased. This is especially true when considering the consumption of unclean things.
“A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.”
-Ecclesiasticus 30:25
"The belly devours all meats, yet is one meat better than another; as the palate
tastes diverse kinds of venison: so does a heart of understanding false speeches."
-Ecclesiasticus 36:18-19
"Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats:
'For excess of meats brings sickness, and surfeiting will turn into choler.
'By surfeiting have many perished; but he that takes heed prolongs his life.”
-Ecclesiasticus 37:29-31
"'A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetches not his wind short upon his bed. Sound sleep comes of moderate eating: he rises early, and his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man. And if you have been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and you shall have rest. My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last you shall find as I told you: in all your works be quick, so shall there no sickness come unto you.
-Ecclesiasticus 31:19-22
"Wine measurably drunk and in season brings gladness of the heart, and cheerfulness of the mind: But wine drunken with excess makes bitterness of the mind, with brawling and quarrelling. Drunkenness increases the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminishes strength, and makes wounds. Rebuke not your neighbor at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him with urging him to drink."
-Ecclesiasticus 31:28-31
Although, if our own conscience still convicts us to avoid eating clean meat, fish, alcohol, processed foods, genetically modified foods, breads, food offered to idols, or questioning the husbandry practices and/or slaughtering techniques of those who prepared or sell it, then it may be best to follow our conscience within the parameters of torah, but we should not require others to obey our personal convictions. The Word says they must be allowed the freedom and rights outlined in the New Covenant torah to follow their own consciences, or it could be considered "sin unto them" for disobeying their personal convictions and Set Apart Revelations (even if the Torah officially authorizes their choices):
However, we should avoid publicly consuming meat/food/drink that goes against the personal convictions of a "weak-minded" Believer, if it offends them, causes them to stumble in idol worship, or tempts them into rejecting the Faith altogether.
Therefore, let us be sure to accept the advice in Colossians to not allow others' self-righteousness by "adding and taking away" from Scripture forbid or discourage us from consuming what is Scripturally described as a blessing. Nor receive others' own personal convictions as unrighteously judgement for what we choose to righteously consume, or cause us to miss out on what Scripture reveals the Father has for us (2 Timothy 3:1-17):
"16Let no one therefore judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a Festival or a New Moon or Sabbaths – 17which are a shadow of what is to come – but the Body of the Messiah. 18Let no one deprive you of the prize, one who takes delight in false humility and worship of messengers, taking his stand on what he has not seen, puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19and not holding fast to the Head, from Whom all the Body – nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments – grows with the growth of Alahym. 20If, then, you died with Messiah from the elementary matters of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations: "21Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle” – 22which are all to perish with use – according to the commands and teachings of men. 23These indeed have an appearance of Wisdom in self-imposed worship, humiliation and harsh treatment of the body – of no value at all, only for satisfaction of the flesh."
-Colossians 2:16-23
"1But know this, that in the last days hard times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, thankless, wrong-doers, 3unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, haters of good, 4betrayers, reckless, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of Alahym, 5having a form of Reverence but denying its power. And turn away from these! 6For among them are those who creep into households and captivate silly women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7always learning and never able to come to the Knowledge of the Truth. 8And as Yoḥane and Mamrĕ opposed Mashah, so do these also oppose the Truth – men of corrupt minds, found worthless concerning the Belief; 9but they shall not go on further, for their folly shall be obvious to all, as also that of those men became.
10But you did closely follow my Teaching, the Way of Life, the Purpose, the Belief, the patience, the love, the endurance, 11the persecutions, the sufferings, which came to me at Antioch, at Ikonion, and at Lustra – what persecutions I bore. Yet out of them all the Master delivered me. 12And indeed, all those wishing to live Reverently in Messiah Yahusha,
shall be persecuted. 13But evil men and impostors shall go on to the worse,
leading astray and being led astray. 14But you, stay in what you have learned and trusted, having known from whom you have learned, 15and that from a babe you have known the Set Apart Scriptures, which are able to make you Wise for Deliverance through Belief in Messiah Yahusha. 16All Scripture is breathed by Alahym and profitable for Teaching,
for reproof, for setting straight, for Instruction in Righteousness,
17that the man of Alahym might be fitted, equipped for every good work."
-2 Timothy 3:1-17
F.A.Q.
-Doesn't Daniel's Fast prove plant-based diets are healthier?
No, Daniel's Fast was a temporary choice to avoid consuming unclean animals and unclean wine (Daniel 1:8), not a longterm lifestyle meant to avoid consuming clean meat. Unclean animals are full of toxins which may cause unnecessary aging, can contribute to sickness and disease, and pass parasites which can contribute to brain fog, and malnourishment and disease as well. This is not comparable to consuming a nutritionally balanced diet with clean foods cooked appropriately.
-Didn't Messiah declare "all foods clean" and command Peter to eat unclean animals?
No, the Messiah explained to the Pharisees their Oral tradition of hand-washing prior to eating was unnecessary, as the stomach is designed to filter the microbes/dirt effectively enough. Furthermore, the words "Thus He declared all foods clean" in Mark 7:19 does not actually show up in the Scriptural Manuscripts, they are words sometimes added to modern English bibles to "help the reader understand". However, the "food" as defined in that passage is "clean" foods, rather than "unclean" things. Also, if we continue to read the chapter giving the account of Peter's vision, we learn the dream was not meant literally but figuratively in reference to the "unclean" Gentiles being received into the Assembly through the cleansing of Messiah's blood and reception of the Set Apart Spirit. Peter was instructed to accept them, rather than reject them for fear they were considered "unclean" gentiles. We should also consider certain Scriptures reveal "clean and unclean" designations for animals are still relevant for the New Covenant Age and Assembly to observe (ref. YashaYahu/Isaiah 66 & Revelation 18:2).
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